Among individuals, groups, and institutions committed to building a peaceful world, there is a long-standing consensus that there can be “no peace without justice”. Hence, this course seeks to provide a critical understanding of the relationship between conflicts and social and economic justice at local and global levels as well as peacebuilding initiatives to transform such conflicts in both South and North contexts. Identifying structural violence or social and economic inequalities and injustices as one of the major root causes of glocal (global and local) conflicts, it also explores strategies whereby nations and their citizens can live together with justice and compassion to build a culture of peace through personal and social action.

Drawing on case studies in diverse regions in the Global South and in part in the Global North, four specific themes or sectors will be critically examined, including paradigms of development and globalization, marginalized rural communities, women and Indigenous Peoples The impact of unjust social structures and relationships at international, national and local levels in catalyzing conflicts will be analyzed. Various exemplars of grassroots peacebuilding initiatives and movements to transform these conflicts towards realities that reflect the values and principles of social and economic justice will also be explored. The course also provides a forum for understanding the roles played by NGOs, other civil society organizations and social movements in the building of a just world community.

※For any inquiries regarding taking the course, please contact GCED Online Campus administrators, gcedonline@unescoapceiu.org.